Homey & Sumptuous Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Marsala Recipe

Golden-brown chicken simmering in a rich Marsala wine sauce brings pure comfort to every Barefoot Contessa chicken Marsala recipe lover’s table.

The aroma of mushrooms and herbs wafts through the kitchen, promising a delectable meal.

Tender chicken breasts create the perfect canvas for this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own home.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of savory chicken and deep, complex Marsala wine notes.

Wine-soaked mushrooms add an earthy dimension that makes this dish truly irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this mouthwatering creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 690 kcal

Servings: 2

What You Need to Make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base that creates the main dish, select fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best texture and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance the natural chicken taste, use freshly ground black pepper for more vibrant flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy exterior and helps seal in chicken's moisture, choose unbleached flour for better coating.
• Dried Rosemary: Aromatic herb that adds earthy undertones, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant for maximum flavor impact.
• Olive Oil: Provides rich cooking medium and helps develop golden-brown crust, select extra virgin for superior taste.

• Marsala Wine: Authentic Italian wine that creates deep, complex flavor profile, choose dry Marsala for balanced taste.
• Chicken Stock: Builds rich liquid base for sauce, use low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.
• Mushrooms: Adds umami and hearty texture, select fresh cremini or button mushrooms for best results.
• Thyme Sprigs: Delicate herb that introduces subtle earthiness, fresh sprigs provide more intense flavor than dried.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer, choose fresh cloves and mince finely for even distribution.
• Butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and glossy finish to sauce, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for sauce consistency, mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds bright color and subtle freshness, chop just before serving.

Tools & Pans for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Success

• Meat Mallet or Tenderizer: Essential for pounding chicken to even thickness.
• Frying Pan: Perfect for cooking chicken and making the rich marsala sauce.
• Shallow Bowl or Plate: Used for coating chicken in seasoned flour.
• Spatula: Helps scrape pan bits and stir sauce smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Drains excess oil from cooked chicken.
• Jar with Lid: Useful for mixing cornstarch and water smoothly.
• Cutting Board: For prepping ingredients and cutting chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice chicken and chop parsley.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Oven: Keeps chicken warm while preparing sauce.

How to Cook Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Like a Pro

• Chicken Preparation

Gently flatten chicken breasts using a meat mallet, creating thin, tender cutlets. Season with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

• Flour Coating

Mix rosemary with flour on a plate. Delicately dredge each chicken piece, ensuring a light, even covering.

• Golden Searing

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high flame. Cook chicken until beautifully bronzed and cooked through, working in batches to maintain crispy edges.

• Mushroom Magic

Without cleaning the pan, introduce thyme and mushrooms. Sauté until they release their earthy aroma and develop a rich color.

• Wine Transformation

Splash in Marsala wine and chicken stock. Allow the liquid to dance and mingle, creating a luxurious sauce that tells a delicious story.

• Sauce Refinement

Swirl in butter until silky smooth. Let the sauce simmer and concentrate its incredible flavors.

• Final Presentation

Nestle chicken into the pan, coating each piece with the velvety sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve alongside creamy potatoes or tender rice for a complete meal that celebrates comfort and elegance.

Enhancing the Flavor of Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala

• Use gentle, even strokes when tenderizing chicken to ensure uniform thickness, which guarantees consistent cooking and a tender texture.
• Choose a quality, dry Marsala wine from Sicily for authentic flavor; avoid cooking wines, which often contain added salt and lack depth.
• Experiment with different mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or wild mushroom blend to enhance the sauce's complexity and earthy undertones.
• Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same crispy chicken coating.

Plating the Perfect Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala

• Plate with Elegance: Arrange golden chicken cutlets on a white ceramic platter, draping the rich Marsala sauce generously over the top for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Pair with Comfort Sides: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that perfectly soak up the delicious mushroom-wine sauce.
• Wine Companion Recommendation: Pour a glass of medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Chardonnay that complements the deep, savory flavors of the Marsala sauce and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen chicken marsala stays fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to retain moisture.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken and chop ingredients the night before. Store seasoned chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for convenience and enhanced flavor development.

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa chicken marsala delivers classic Italian-American comfort with tender chicken and rich mushroom sauce. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients combine for a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 125 g (4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• 280 g (9.9 oz) mushrooms, sliced (baby bellas or cremini)
• 240 ml (8.1 fl oz) Marsala wine
• 300 ml (10.1 fl oz) chicken stock or broth
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil
• 30 g (1.1 oz) butter (or vegan butter)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (15 g) parsley, fresh and chopped
• 2 tsps cornstarch (optional)
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• Thyme, fresh sprigs

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cushion chicken breasts between protective layers, delicately tenderizing to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. Bifurcate each breast into cutlets and season comprehensively with salt and pepper.
2. Coating: Construct a fragrant dredging station using flour and rosemary. Meticulously coat chicken cutlets, ensuring thorough but light coverage by shaking off surplus flour.
3. Searing: Ignite olive oil in a capacious skillet over robust heat. Execute golden-brown chicken cutlets through strategic batch cooking, allocating 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked pieces to a warming zone preset at 90 degrees Celsius, maintaining optimal temperature.
4. Mushroom Infusion: Utilize identical skillet without cleansing. Introduce thyme and mushrooms, conducting a swift sauté. Deglaze with chicken stock, extracting caramelized remnants and developing profound flavor foundations. Incorporate garlic and continue aromatic development.
5. Sauce Construction: Stream Marsala wine and additional chicken stock, allowing liquid to harmonize through gentle simmering. Integrate cornstarch slurry to achieve luxurious sauce viscosity, stirring consistently until smooth and refined.
6. Finishing: Enrich sauce with butter, creating silken texture. Reunite chicken with sauce, ensuring complete coating. Garnish generously with parsley and serve immediately alongside complementary accompaniments like mashed potatoes or steamed rice.

Notes

• Tenderize with Care: Gently pound chicken to 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tender texture without tearing the meat.
• Flour Coating Technique: Shake off excess flour to prevent burning and achieve a light, crispy golden-brown exterior during cooking.
• Pan Management: Keep the same skillet for building layered flavors by deglazing with stock and capturing delicious browned bits from chicken.
• Sauce Consistency Pro: Whisk cornstarch smoothly with cold water to prevent lumps and create a silky, perfectly thickened Marsala sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg